Main Navigation

You are here:

Guides through decision to have cataract surgery. Describes the surgery and how well it works. Includes when cataract surgery is normally recommended. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Cataracts: Should I Have Surgery?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

If you don't have another eye
problem, such as
glaucoma or problems with your
retina, your chances of seeing better after cataract
surgery are very good. But you may still need reading
glasses or glasses for distance vision.

If you are
nearsighted or
farsighted, or if you have
astigmatism, you may not need your glasses or contacts
as much after surgery. This is because replacing the lens can improve these
problems. But the surgery is not done for this reason alone.

Cataract
surgery doesn't usually cause problems. Your vision may be cloudy for up to 3
months after surgery. But this is normal and will go away as your eye heals.

Cloudy vision sometimes comes back

The most common problem after surgery is a gradual return of cloudy
vision several months or years after surgery.
The problem happens when a part of the remaining lens cover
becomes cloudy. The clouding can be fixed with
laser surgery.

Serious problems aren't common

Out of 100 people who have
this surgery, fewer than 10 have serious problems.1
This means that at least 90 out of 100 people do not have serious problems.

Newer surgery techniques, such as using a laser for part of the surgery, make it less likely for problems to occur during or after surgery.

Serious problems that can happen include:

Swelling of the retina or cornea. This may cause blurry vision that often goes away on its own. If it doesn't, more treatment may be needed.

New or different astigmatism, which
can usually be treated with glasses or contact lenses.

Infection in the eye. A very serious infection called endophthalmitis can lead to blindness. This type of infection is rare. Other eye infections, such as uveitis, may affect your vision until you get treatment.

Problems caused by bits of the cataract left behind. Your doctor may need to do surgery to remove these bits and improve
your vision.

Usually, a cataract that isn't removed will slowly get worse and make
your eyesight worse:

You may no longer be able to do your usual
daily activities.

You may not be able to drive safely, especially
at night.

You may be more likely to fall or hurt yourself.

The cataract may make it hard for your doctor to check for other eye problems, such as damage from diabetes.

When a cataract isn't treated until after it has become severe, the surgery may be harder to do. Also, you may be more likely to have problems after surgery or have a slower recovery than someone who had surgery for a less severe cataract.

Personal stories about cataract surgery

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

My left eye
is so clouded that I feel like I'm looking through tinted plastic wrap. I'm a
little nervous about the surgery, but I need to have good eyesight to read,
play cards, and do other things like that. I will talk to my doctor and get
more information about what to expect, then maybe I won't be so nervous.

Betty, age
72

I didn't even know that I had a cataract
until my eye doctor told me about it during my last eye exam. I suppose my
eyesight has changed a little bit, but it has happened so slowly that I haven't
noticed it much. So long as I am still able to pass my driver's test and see
well enough to do what I need to do, I don't plan to have surgery.

Bob, age
46

I have known about my cataract for a long
time. Only recently has it started to bother me. It is very hard for me to
drive at night, and I attend a lot of meetings in the evenings. Most people I
know have had a good experience with cataract surgery, and my doctor
specializes in it. So I feel confident that the surgery is right for me and
will help me see better at night.

Harold, age 67

I am very
nervous about any surgery on my eyes. I know that cataract surgery is very
safe, but it is still surgery on my eye, and the thought of blindness scares
me. So far I am able to manage fine, and my eyesight is only affected a little
bit. I am going to put off having surgery for as long as I can.

Marie, age
55

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have cataract surgery

Reasons to wait and see

My poor eyesight is affecting my ability to do my job.

My work isn't affected by my poor eyesight.

More important

Equally important

More important

The glare from the sun or headlights bothers me when I drive.

I don't notice glare from the sun or headlights when I drive.

More important

Equally important

More important

Because of my eyesight, I can't take part in activities the way I'd like to.

I am able to take part in activities well enough.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm afraid I might fall and hurt myself because I don't see well.

I'm not worried about falling or hurting myself.

More important

Equally important

More important

The thought of having surgery on my eye doesn't bother me.

I don't want surgery if I can possibly avoid it.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having cataract surgery

Waiting

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.

Do you need to have your cataract removed even if it doesn't really bother you?

YesSorry, that's wrong. Not all cataracts need to be removed. It depends on how much they bother you.

NoThat's right. Not all cataracts need to be removed. It depends on how much they bother you.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Not all cataracts need to be removed. It depends on how much they bother you.

2.

Do you have to decide right away about surgery?

YesNo, that's wrong. Poor eyesight caused by cataracts happens slowly over time, so you probably don't need to rush into having surgery.

NoYou're right. Poor eyesight caused by cataracts happens slowly over time, so you probably don't need to rush into having surgery.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Poor eyesight caused by cataracts happens slowly over time, so you probably don't need to rush into having surgery.

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Cataracts: Should I Have Surgery?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

1. Get the Facts

Your options

Key points to remember

Not all cataracts need to be removed. It
depends on how much they bother you. Many people get along very well without
surgery by wearing contact lenses or glasses.

Poor eyesight caused
by cataracts happens slowly over time, so you probably don't need to rush into
having surgery.

Most people who have cataract surgery see better after it. Serious problems from surgery aren't common.

Surgery removes the lens from your eye. The lens
has to be replaced. If it can't be replaced, you'll wear thick glasses or contact
lenses instead.

You may still need to wear glasses or contacts
after surgery to see well.

FAQs

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery
removes the lens that has the
cataract , which is a painless, cloudy area in the lens
of the eye. In order for you to see, the lens must be replaced. This happens in
one of two ways:

During the surgery, the doctor places an
artificial lens in your eye. This is how most cataract surgery is done. Some
people also need to wear glasses or contact lenses after
surgery.

In a few cases, the doctor can't replace the lens. If that
happens, you'll wear thick glasses or contact lenses instead.

Because the surgery replaces the lens in your eye, it's
important to talk to your doctor about your choices.

If you have an astigmatism, your surgery may cost more. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options and costs.

How well does cataract surgery work?

Cataract
surgery usually works very well.

If you don't have another eye
problem, such as
glaucoma or problems with your
retina, your chances of seeing better after cataract
surgery are very good. But you may still need reading
glasses or glasses for distance vision.

If you are
nearsighted or
farsighted, or if you have
astigmatism, you may not need your glasses or contacts
as much after surgery. This is because replacing the lens can improve these
problems. But the surgery is not done for this reason alone.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Cataract
surgery doesn't usually cause problems. Your vision may be cloudy for up to 3
months after surgery. But this is normal and will go away as your eye heals.

Cloudy vision sometimes comes back

The most common problem after surgery is a gradual return of cloudy
vision several months or years after surgery.
The problem happens when a part of the remaining lens cover
becomes cloudy. The clouding can be fixed with
laser surgery.

Serious problems aren't common

Out of 100 people who have
this surgery, fewer than 10 have serious problems.1
This means that at least 90 out of 100 people do not have serious problems.

Newer surgery techniques, such as using a laser for part of the surgery, make it less likely for problems to occur during or after surgery.

Serious problems that can happen include:

Swelling of the retina or cornea. This may cause blurry vision that often goes away on its own. If it doesn't, more treatment may be needed.

New or different astigmatism, which
can usually be treated with glasses or contact lenses.

Infection in the eye. A very serious infection called endophthalmitis can lead to blindness. This type of infection is rare. Other eye infections, such as uveitis, may affect your vision until you get treatment.

Problems caused by bits of the cataract left behind. Your doctor may need to do surgery to remove these bits and improve
your vision.

Retinal detachment. After you have had cataract surgery, your
risk for
retinal detachment is higher than normal.

Some of these problems can be fixed with other treatment.
But you may still have poor vision or blindness in the affected eye. In some
cases, the treatment itself may also cause more problems.

What are the risks of not having cataract surgery?

Usually, a cataract that isn't removed will slowly get worse and make
your eyesight worse:

You may no longer be able to do your usual
daily activities.

You may not be able to drive safely, especially
at night.

You may be more likely to fall or hurt yourself.

The cataract may make it hard for your doctor to check for other eye problems, such as damage from diabetes.

When a cataract isn't treated until after it has become severe, the surgery may be harder to do. Also, you may be more likely to have problems after surgery or have a slower recovery than someone who had surgery for a less severe cataract.

Why might your doctor recommend cataract surgery?

Your doctor might recommend surgery if:

Poor eyesight is affecting your ability to do
your job or take part in some leisure or social activities.

Surgery
would help your doctor keep track of another eye problem, such as a problem
with your
retina.

You do not have
glaucoma,
diabetic retinopathy, or
macular degeneration. Surgery may not improve eyesight
in people who also have these eye problems.

When children have cataracts that cause vision problems, surgery is usually needed.
To prevent permanent vision loss, it is very important to remove cataracts before the child is 3 months old.

2. Compare your options

Have cataract surgery

Wait and see

What is usually involved?

You will probably be awake during
the operation. You may feel pressure, but you shouldn't feel pain.

You will go home the
same day.

You will decide when the cataract
is affecting your vision and your life enough to have surgery.

What are the benefits?

Surgery works well to restore poor
eyesight caused by cataracts.

Cataract surgery also improves
eyesight for people who are nearsighted, are farsighted, or have
astigmatism.

You avoid the risks of
surgery.

What are the risks and side effects?

Your vision may be
cloudy for up to 3 months. This will go away as your eye heals.

You
may need laser surgery a few months or years later if your vision clouds up
again.

You may have a slightly higher risk
of problems from surgery if you wait to have surgery until your cataract is
severe.

Personal stories

Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These
personal stories
may help you decide.

Personal stories about cataract surgery

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"My left eye is so clouded that I feel like I'm looking through tinted plastic wrap. I'm a little nervous about the surgery, but I need to have good eyesight to read, play cards, and do other things like that. I will talk to my doctor and get more information about what to expect, then maybe I won't be so nervous."

— Betty, age
72

"I didn't even know that I had a cataract until my eye doctor told me about it during my last eye exam. I suppose my eyesight has changed a little bit, but it has happened so slowly that I haven't noticed it much. So long as I am still able to pass my driver's test and see well enough to do what I need to do, I don't plan to have surgery."

— Bob, age
46

"I have known about my cataract for a long time. Only recently has it started to bother me. It is very hard for me to drive at night, and I attend a lot of meetings in the evenings. Most people I know have had a good experience with cataract surgery, and my doctor specializes in it. So I feel confident that the surgery is right for me and will help me see better at night."

— Harold, age 67

"I am very nervous about any surgery on my eyes. I know that cataract surgery is very safe, but it is still surgery on my eye, and the thought of blindness scares me. So far I am able to manage fine, and my eyesight is only affected a little bit. I am going to put off having surgery for as long as I can."

— Marie, age
55

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have cataract surgery

Reasons to wait and see

My poor eyesight is affecting my ability to do my job.

My work isn't affected by my poor eyesight.

More important

Equally important

More important

The glare from the sun or headlights bothers me when I drive.

I don't notice glare from the sun or headlights when I drive.

More important

Equally important

More important

Because of my eyesight, I can't take part in activities the way I'd like to.

I am able to take part in activities well enough.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm afraid I might fall and hurt myself because I don't see well.

I'm not worried about falling or hurting myself.

More important

Equally important

More important

The thought of having surgery on my eye doesn't bother me.

I don't want surgery if I can possibly avoid it.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having cataract surgery

Waiting

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.
Do you need to have your cataract removed even if it doesn't really bother you?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

That's right. Not all cataracts need to be removed. It depends on how much they bother you.

2.
Do you have to decide right away about surgery?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

You're right. Poor eyesight caused by cataracts happens slowly over time, so you probably don't need to rush into having surgery.

Decide what's next

1.
Do you understand the options available to you?

Yes

No

2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

Yes

No

3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

Yes

No

Certainty

1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

Not sure at all

Somewhat sure

Very sure

2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

I'm ready to take action.

I want to discuss the options with others.

I want to learn more about my options.

3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.